Specialized Neurotrauma Team
Traumatic Brain Injury & Spinal Trauma
A serious accident can change life in a matter of seconds — not only for the injured person, but for the entire family that suddenly must navigate fear, uncertainty, and high-stakes decisions. In severe injuries of the brain, spine, and spinal cord, timely, specialized care is decisive not only for survival, but for long-term function and a dignified quality of life.
At Neuroknife, we deliver care with a clear plan and continuous communication from the very first moment: from emergency stabilization and surgical management, to neuro-critical monitoring, neuro-rehabilitation, and a safe return to daily life. Our goal is that every decision serves what matters most: the maximum possible recovery — with respect for the person behind the injury.
Traumatic Brain & Spine Injuries — at a glance
Four critical questions that guide the right treatment.
What it is
Injury to the brain/skull, spinal column, or spinal cord caused by external trauma (falls, road traffic accidents, sports injuries).
Common causes
- Road traffic accidents and falls
- Sports injuries and workplace accidents
- Children and older adults (higher risk)
When it’s urgent
- Loss of consciousness or confusion
- Weakness, numbness, or paralysis
- Severe headache, vomiting, or seizure
How it’s treated
- Imaging assessment (CT / MRI)
- Stabilization, monitoring, and surgery when indicated
- Rehabilitation & structured return to activity
What we treat at Neuroknife — with clear clinical strategy & precision
In trauma care, the goal is always: stabilize → detect risk → intervene appropriately → prevent secondary injury.
Epidural / Subdural hematoma
- Urgent assessment and evidence-based management
- Craniectomy or evacuation/drainage when indicated
- Goal: protect cerebral perfusion & neurological function
Contusions & intracerebral hemorrhage
- Close monitoring with repeat imaging when needed
- Balance: surgery only when it changes outcome
- Prevention of complications (edema, seizures)
Decompressive craniectomy
- For severe TBI with refractory intracranial hypertension
- Goal: relieve pressure and prevent herniation
- Requires specialized neuro-ICU support
Fractures & instability
- Trauma to the cervical and thoraco-lumbar spine
- Assessment of alignment, ligament integrity & neural structures
- Stabilization when instability or neurological deficit is present
- Goal: safe mobilization & prevention of deterioration
Spinal cord / nerve root compression
- Decompression when required (bone/disc elements)
- Combined with fusion when instability exists
- Goal: protect neurological function
Specialized intensive care for neurotrauma
- Close monitoring for patients with severe injury
- Continuous assessment of ICP, hemodynamics, and neurological status
- Coordinated care between neurosurgeon, neuro-intensivist, and neurologist
What are traumatic brain injuries and spinal injuries?
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) includes a spectrum ranging from mild concussion to severe hemorrhage, fractures, or diffuse axonal injury. Even a “mild” injury may cause symptoms that persist and require structured follow-up and rehabilitation.
Spinal trauma can lead to instability, mechanical compression, or ischemic injury of the spinal cord and nerve roots, resulting in neurological deficits such as weakness, sensory loss, or bladder and bowel dysfunction.
Symptoms that require evaluation after an injury
After a head impact
- Fainting, confusion, disorientation
- Persistent or worsening headache
- Blurred vision or speech difficulty
Suspected spinal injury
- Weakness or numbness in the arms/legs
- Severe neck or back pain
- Difficulty walking or balance problems
Emergency — call for immediate help
Paralysis, breathing difficulty, seizure, persistent drowsiness, bleeding from the nose/ear, or any change in level of consciousness.
How is trauma assessed and diagnosed?
Trauma evaluation must be immediate, systematic, and targeted, focused on early recognition of injuries that may threaten life or neurological function.
- Neurological assessment (GCS) and level of consciousness
- CT of the brain and spine when indicated
- Assessment for fractures and spinal instability
- MRI to evaluate the spinal cord and ligamentous injury, when needed
- ICP monitoring and hemodynamic guidance in severe injury
- Comprehensive life-support in polytrauma cases
Close coordination between neurosurgery, critical care, emergency medicine, and neuroradiology improves diagnostic accuracy and meaningfully impacts outcomes.
Surgical options & clinical goals
Not every traumatic injury requires surgery — but when surgery is necessary, timing and technique can make a decisive difference in the final outcome.
Hematomas & craniotomy / craniectomy
- Epidural/subdural hematoma with mass effect
- Intracerebral hemorrhage in selected cases
- Decompressive craniectomy for refractory intracranial hypertension (ICP), when indicated
Stabilization & decompression
- Screws, rods, and fusion systems
- Removal of fracture fragments compressing neural structures
- Restoration of spinal alignment and stability
Non-operative treatment
- Brace/collar, pain control, close monitoring
- Physiotherapy and structured mobilization
- Follow-up and repeat imaging when needed
Neuro-ICU care and the rehabilitation pathway
Modern neuro-critical care is a major determinant of outcome after severe injury. At Neuroknife, care does not stop at stabilization — it focuses on preserving brain function, preventing secondary injury, and creating the conditions for the best possible recovery.
We apply protocols aligned with international neuro-ICU standards, combining experience from leading U.S. centers with the infrastructure of selected private hospitals in Greece.
- Continuous monitoring of ICP and cerebral perfusion
- Individualized adjustment of respiratory and hemodynamic support
- Prevention of secondary brain injury and systemic complications
- Coordinated collaboration between intensivists, neurosurgeons, and specialized nursing teams
From the critical phase to recovery
Care does not end with saving a life. From the first days, we plan a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy aimed at restoring function as fully as possible.
- Ongoing neurological reassessment and trajectory monitoring
- Early mobilization and targeted physiotherapy
- Rehabilitation of speech, memory, and cognitive function
- Coordination of a multidisciplinary team (neurology, physiatry, speech therapy)
- Long-term follow-up planning and structured return to daily life
Frequently asked questions about brain & spinal trauma
Answers to common concerns after an injury — designed to help families recognize risks early and follow the right path.
1) When should I go to the Emergency Department immediately?
If there is loss of consciousness, confusion, worsening alertness, repeated vomiting, severe headache, limb weakness, speech disturbance, or any deterioration after an injury.
2) If I “feel fine,” do I still need imaging?
Not always. The need for CT or MRI depends on the injury mechanism, symptoms, age, and findings on clinical examination.
3) What is a concussion and how long does it last?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. It may cause headache, dizziness, concentration difficulties, or fatigue. Symptoms typically improve over days to weeks with the right guidance and by avoiding overexertion.
4) When is repeat imaging necessary?
If symptoms are new or worsening, if the neurological exam changes, or if the initial imaging is insufficient to safely rule out complications.
5) What does “deterioration” after an injury mean?
Increasing drowsiness, confusion, severe headache, vomiting, weakness, or speech changes — symptoms that require urgent medical assessment.
6) When is surgery required?
When there is a hematoma, pressure on the brain or spinal cord, neurological worsening, or a high risk of permanent injury without intervention.
7) What is intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring?
Continuous measurement of pressure inside the skull in severe cases, guiding precise therapy and helping prevent secondary brain injury.
8) When is surgical stabilization of the spine needed?
When instability, neurological deficit, or a high risk of deterioration is present — to protect the spinal cord and allow safe mobilization.
9) How important is timing?
Critical. Early diagnosis and appropriately timed intervention can substantially influence prognosis and functional recovery.
10) When can I return to work or driving?
This depends on neurological status, the type of injury, and response to treatment. Return is gradual and always guided by a clinician.
11) What is the role of rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation is fundamental for restoring function and may include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and cognitive support.
12) What do you need for an expert second opinion?
Imaging (CT/MRI), medical reports, and a brief timeline — allowing a complete, responsible clinical review.
Selected neurotrauma conditions treated at Neuroknife
The sections below outline key categories of neurosurgical trauma managed by the Neuroknife team. Each provides focused information on emergency evaluation, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Concerned about a brain or spine injury?
Timely, well-directed evaluation can change the course of recovery. At Neuroknife, we combine scientific precision with human-centered care, offering tailored guidance from the very first moment — with a focus on safety, function, and quality of life.
© Neuroknife — Original medical content by our physicians, provided exclusively for patient education and information.